Jorge Masvidal gets fans to spar at UFC 244 open workout – ‘I know New Yorkers like to fight’
- ‘Gamebred’ invites spectators up to trade body blows in boxing gloves
- UFC official comes and shuts down the fun – then gets booed offstage
Open workouts are often uneventful affairs. Not when Jorge Masvidal is around.
The 34-year-old Masvidal (professional record 34-13) is set to face Nate Diaz (20-11) for the “BMF” belt on Saturday Night in the main event of UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden.
You’d think with the biggest fight of his career around the corner, he might have kept it strictly business for Wednesday’s media obligation at Hulu Theatre. But “Gamebred” urged his coach Mike Brown to pick members of the audience for some 30-second sparring sessions on stage.
Contestants were given boxing gloves and were told that only body shots were permitted.
“I want to give some exposure to my people. I’m going to perform for you all on Saturday so this [workout] right now is kind of [not interesting],” said an animated Masvidal after a light onstage workout.
“To avoid you breaking your hands, I’ve got some gloves for you. We’ll do body blows only – we’re not going hard. If the UFC don’t like it they can … you know what.”